James Gottlieb Brenner, 67, of Shelbyville, MI passed away Sunday, February 11, 2018 at his home. Born June 7, 1950 in Plainwell, he was the son of the late Raymond George and Norma Josephine (Grinage) Brenner and was the husband of Debra Ann (Weick) Brenner. James was a lifetime member of St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Hopkins. He served on the Martin Township Board for over thirty years where he had been a strong advocate for the Martin Fire Department. James was a proud dairy farmer, having earned many awards and recognitions for the Holstein herd that he and his father grew and developed. After selling the farm, he started a cattle trucking business which he successfully operated for 20 years, turning it over to his youngest son just before his passing. He was an avid hunter and especially enjoyed hunting trips out west with his father, and up north with his father-in-law and brothers-in-law. He was known by all to be a man of the highest integrity, work ethic, generosity, and fairness, who always appreciated a good story. He loved watching Michigan football and the Detroit Tigers. Above all else, James adored spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. In addition to his wife of forty-one years, James is survived by his children, Michelle (Joshua) Douglas, Melanie Brenner (Lonnie Young), Travis (Kathryn) Brenner and Tyler Brenner; his siblings, Jan (Steve) Johnson, Julie Spencer, Joy Brenner (Joe Henry) and Ray (Sarah) Brenner; his grandchildren, Marek Douglas, Meara Douglas and Olive Brenner; and his father-in-law Robert Weick. The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, on Friday, February 16, 2018 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Pauls Lutheran Church. Pastor Donald Seelhoff will officiate. Burial will take place in St. Pauls Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 2906 24th Street, Hopkins, MI 49328; or to the Martin Fire Department, 999 Templeton Street, Martin, MI 49070. Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, is assisting the Brenner family.

Visitation Details

Friday, February 16th, 2018 5:00am - 8:00pm, Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel

Service Information

Saturday, February 17th, 2018 11:00am, St. Pauls Lutheran Church

Interment Details

Saturday, February 17th, 2018 12:30pm, St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery